About the Role We are recruiting a Head of Procurement to take a capable, largely self-taught buying operation to the next level. Our terms and rebates are strong, and we have built an import model and an own-brand range that have lifted gross margin. What we need now is strategic procurement: sourcing back to the manufacturer, rigour on price as well as terms, repeatable process, and leadership of the team.The role has two jobs. The first is to lead procurement and supply chain for the core business: planning, purchasing, sourcing, imports and supplier performance. The second is to build the supply chain behind our own certified pipe support system: manufacturing partners working to our specifications, second sources for critical lines, and suppliers taken through testing and certification with us.Key Responsibilities 1. Team Leadership and Development You will lead a team of three: a Category Manager, a Buyer / Supply Chain Associate and a Buyer. The team are committed and know the business well, but day-to-day purchasing currently takes all of their capacity, leaving little room for planning, process improvement or supplier development. Agree a written 90-day handover plan with the Category Manager, with the transfer of commercial knowledge a named deliverable for both of you. Develop the Category Manager in the category and product role, including sourcing for our own pipe support system. Take over the strategic supplier relationships currently held by the Managing ..... full job details .....